Role of Panchakarma in preventing lifestyle disorders

Abstract

Lifestyle disorder is an umbrella term given to all the diseases which arise because of unhealthy lifestyle. Lifestyle diseases, a subset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a result of the way we live, work and go about our everyday lives. Developing countries like India is predicted to have most number of Lifestyle related patients in the next 10 years in the entire world. Health promotion and preventive health approaches are proven effective strategies in reducing disease burden with lower costs compared to the cost of NCD treatment. There is a definite need of an approach to understand the psycho-somatic impact on the human body and emerging lifestyle diseases. And the hope to treat Lifestyle diseases definitely brighten with the broader approach of Ayurveda. Ayurveda provides better solution in the forms of proper dietary management, lifestyle advises, Panchakarma like detoxification and bio-purification procedure and rejuvenation therapies. If the factors involved in pathogenesis of these lifestyle disorders are reviewed on the basis of Ayurveda, the symptoms shows Agnidushti, Kaphadushti, Mansavaha and Medovahadushti. Life style disorders can be prevented through Panchakarma as it prevents vitiated Kapha, Meda etc. along with stress and strain of mind as well as body.